Adam Wills – Photography, Design and various other creative ventures

Down/Voivod

// October 4th, 2009 // 3 Comments » // Music, Photography, Writings

I’ve been a HUGE Down fan, ever since I discovered them, back when NOLA came out in ‘95.  Found them through Columbia House, oddly enough.  So once they announced a new tour, I was all over it.  Wasn’t sure if I was going to get to shoot it until the day of – but once again, Sean @ Hellbound worked his magic, and made it happen.

Opening was Weedeater, who I can’t say I was sad to miss, followed by Montreal legends, Voivod.  Was my first time seeing them, and were really great.  Full of energy, great sound, and new guitarist Dan Mongrain (ex-Gorguts, Martyr) sounded great.

But alas, the night belonged to the great Phil Anselmo and co., tearing it up the entire set.  Shooting the show was an absolute blast, and I probably spent half the time headbanging along with the band.

Was my first time shooting at the Guvernment – was expecting a bit more of their lighting… it was pretty rough.  But the B&W grainy feel works perfectly for these guys, so I can’t say better lighting would have given it the same feel anyways.

Anyways – enjoy.  My c0-review of the show is linked below – make sure to check it out!

Full Set on Flickr
Review on Hellbound.ca
Official Down Site

Bloody Panda

// September 6th, 2009 // 3 Comments » // Music, Photography, Writings

An excerpt from my review on Hellbound.ca:

Silence. Not a typical reaction to a live performance.

As New York’s Bloody Panda concluded their final note, and began to pack up, the small crowd, who had gathered for their awe-inspiring performance, wasn’t sure how to react to the intensity that was just laid out before them. So instead of applause, cheering, or even conversation, the room filled with an eerie silence that couldn’t have been more fitting.

An absolute thrill to shoot…  after just getting my wireless flash trigger (you’re the best, Pam!) and some experimenting with some different flash techniques, I came up with some great shots using a bounce off the floor.  Although typically, I’d want to avoid shadows, the enormous shadows were quite fitting.  Lots of pretty creepy shots came out, and after the performance they put on, it couldn’t have been more fitting.

Full Review on Hellbound.ca
BloodyPanda.com
Full set on Flickr

Wolven Ancestry – Live in Toronto

// August 23rd, 2009 // No Comments » // Music, Photography

Photos from Wolven Ancestry’s headlining show at Toronto’s Reverb.  Also featuring Will of the Ancients, Cryptik Howling, Heaven Ablaze and Sylvus.  Solid bands all around.

Maniac – Farewell show – Live in Toronto

// August 17th, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Music, Photography

I can’t say I know too much about Toronto’s beloved Maniac – except that they absolutely ruled.  Opening for Cauldron, they went out with a blast.  Pure thrash fun.

Judas Priest!

// July 14th, 2009 // 4 Comments » // Music, Photography, Writings

Last Thursday, thanks to Hellbound.ca, I got my first big concert shoot assignment – none other than the legendary Judas Priest.  Still being a relative photo rookie, I was pretty nervous about the whole thing.  I mean, it’s Judas Priest – one of the bands that really began heavy metal.  And to have the opportunity at such an early point in my photo “career” to shoot them?  Yeah, I felt a bit of pressure (although Sean, who runs Hellbound seemed to have complete confidence in me – always giving me positive encouragement).

With only having one lens in hand (the Canon 50mm f/1.8), I felt it was time to expand my arsenal.  With my upcoming trip to California, and hopes of taking some landscape photos of the oceanic coast, I felt a wide angle lens was the way to go.  So, after looking around, I ended up picking up this bad boy – the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L USM – from B&H Photo.  With a delay at customs, the lens didn’t end up in Ontario until Thursday, the day of the show.  With a sprint up to the warehouse to pick it up after work, I really didn’t have a chance to test it out at all before the show.  A bit more nervousness.  Great.

Arrived at the show towards the end of the Whitesnake set… can’t say I was at all disappointed in missing them… got my ticket and photo pass without any problems.  Met up with a couple other people who were there to shoot the show (I wasn’t the only newbie there, which made me feel a bit better).  Shortly afterwards, after discussing the last Priest show with one of the security guards, we made our way to the photo pit.  3 songs went quick….  and here’s what I came up with…

The new lens kicked some serious ass, and am proud to say that this was by FAR, my best concert shoot.  Sure, it helps shooting such a great band, and the venue (the Molson Amphitheatre) helped… but I think I had a bit of a hand in the results.

After ditching my camera back in the car, I headed back in to enjoy the rest of the set, and had a blast in doing so.

I think I may just like this photography thing….

Links:
Review on Hellbound.ca
Full set on Flickr
Slideshow on Flickr
Judas Priest.com

Maryland Death Fest 2009

// July 5th, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Music, Photography, Writings

A little late posting this, as the event happened in May, but in light of my review being featured on hellbound.ca, I figured now was as good of a time as any.

Was such a great weekend – perfect weather, great people, and crushing metal.  Although a couple bands had visa issues and couldn’t end up playing, the other bands more than made up for it.

Word is that the organizers are ready to announce some of the bands for next year’s festival already – now THAT is organization!  I’m assuming I’ll be making the trip again next year – definitely the premiere festival in North America at the moment.

Anyways, on to the pictures… this was a pre-SLR shoot – shot with my trusty Canon S5 – a handy camera that really packs a punch and can take some really great pictures.  Perfect for those places you can’t take a ton of gear.

Full Set – Slideshow

Hellbound review
Official Maryland Death Fest site

Doc Walker – Live in Vittoria

// June 29th, 2009 // No Comments » // Music, Photography

Winnipeg’s Doc Walker treated us with a private performance at the Scotlynn summer party, and really brought the party to life.  Laughter, dancing, and needless to say, a few drinks filled the grounds, as the trio brought a great set mixed with originals with some covers of some Canadian classics (even a couple riffs from Rush… Eric – where was The Hip?  That’s right. Most influential Canadian band ever!  Proven again!)  A memorable ending including a guest singer for “The Show is Free”, followed by a free for all dance off (starring this wild man).  Enjoy!

View full set here – Slideshow

DocWalker.ca (myspace)

Secret Chiefs 3 – Live in Toronto

// June 29th, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Music, Photography

With only 1 shoot in my pocket so far, I had the privilege of seeing the great Secret Chiefs 3 perform at The Mod Club in Toronto.  Surprisingly, it was my first time at the venue, and had a great time.  The lighting couldn’t have been better for some dramatic shots of such a unique band.  Shots came out great, and had a bit more of a grasp on what I was shooting this time.  Enjoy!

View full set here – Slideshow

Cauldron – Live in Hamilton

// June 29th, 2009 // No Comments » // Music, Photography

My first concert shoot with my new Canon EOS 40D (picked up about 2 days prior via craigslist.org).  Had relatively little idea of using the camera properly, basically taking what I knew about my Canon P&S, and applying it as best as I could.  Learned a fair amount quickly, including the need for a wider angle lens if I’m going to be taking pictures standing eye to eye with the band.

Coming away from it, had some awesome pictures, and even getting an image used on the band’s myspace blog.  Not bad, rookie… not bad.

View full set here – Slideshow